
Croatian Stretch Big Michael Ruzic Commits to LSU
Michael Ruzic, a 7‑foot Croatian forward, will join the LSU Tigers after a season in Spain's ACB, bringing shooting versatility and NBA attention.
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Michael Ruzic, a 7‑foot Croatian forward, will join the LSU Tigers after a season in Spain's ACB, bringing shooting versatility and NBA attention.

With Dusty May gone and Will Wade targeting a compact, star‑driven squad, LSU is navigating a complex transfer market while preparing for the upcoming season.

LSU's upcoming roster combines international players, transfers and a high‑school commit, creating a unique mix of experience and versatility while raising questions about depth.

The Cougars are scouting a mix of towering centers and skilled big men from China, Serbia, Australia and the United States, aiming to fill the void left by last season’s departure.

LSU’s men’s basketball program has landed its first high‑school recruit since Will Wade assumed the head‑coaching position, confirming a verbal commitment from Jordan Bender, a 6‑foot‑8 forward from St. Petersburg, Florida. The commitment is part of a broader ten‑player class that includes transfers, international players and a former G‑League forward, while also raising the profile of prospects such as RJ Luis and Ahmad Hudson.

Will Wade’s aggressive roster overhaul blends transfers, international prospects and waiver candidates, creating a uniquely eclectic LSU squad that could reshape the SEC.

LSU has secured four transfers and several international prospects for the upcoming season, each bringing distinct skills and experience to the program.

LSU’s head coach Will Wade has re‑entered the college scene after a brief stint at NC State, assembling a squad that blends overseas talent with former G‑League prospects. Insider Jeff Goodman has publicly warned that the move threatens the spirit of the game.

BYU is aggressively pursuing a dominant big man for the upcoming season, eyeing Chinese Basketball Association star Xu Xin and other international prospects, as the program navigates roster needs and external recruitment pressures.

With a vacancy at the pivot, BYU is courting Xu Xin, Assane Diop and Jahel Trefle, while also keeping tabs on several other programs.

Allen Graves, a top‑ranked 2026 draft prospect, has decided to remain in the draft rather than join LSU, where Coach Will Wade is assembling a new-look squad with notable additions to the coaching staff.

LSU will welcome French center Brice Dessert for the 2026‑27 campaign, completing a series of international acquisitions and coaching changes that signal a new strategic direction for the program.

LSU’s men’s basketball program has added Croatian prospect Michael Ruzic, a 19‑year‑old who averaged 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds for Joventut in Spain’s Liga Endesa, to a class that already features transfers and other international signees

LSU's aggressive financial offer has lured Michael Ruzic away from Brigham Young University, while the Cougars shift focus to Luigi Suigo amid NBA and Villanova interest.

The 7‑foot‑zero forward, known for his shooting, shot‑blocking and high basketball IQ, has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will join LSU’s roster.

The Tigers are set to welcome 7‑foot Croatian center Michael Ruzic, a recent Joventut standout, as part of a sweeping recruitment drive that includes multiple transfers and a revamped coaching staff.

Michael Ruzic, a Croatian forward with three seasons of Liga ACB experience, has pledged to LSU, adding shooting, defense and international flair to a roster in transition.

The Tigers add a versatile big man with strong shooting percentages and professional experience from Spain’s Liga Endesa.

BYU basketball’s recent recruiting cycle has delivered a jolt of disappointment after the program fell just short of landing two coveted big men. Theo Edema, a 6‑11 four‑star prospect from the 2027 class, had narrowed his choices to a final four that included the Cougars, but ultimately committed to St. John’s and will reclassify to the 2026 tier. The loss follows another near‑miss with Obinna Ekezie, who elected to join Louisville, leaving BYU without a clear answer at center.

With a vacancy at center, BYU is evaluating a handful of big men, from reclassifying prospects to overseas veterans, while navigating agency relationships and roster dynamics.